Spencer Strider may be one of the top candidates for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
But the Atlanta Braves‘ young ace sure isn’t pitching like a rookie.
The young right-hander has been one of the game’s best hurlers all season long, posting a 10-5 record with a 2.72 ERA.
He ultimately took the loss last night against the San Francisco Giants, allowing three runs, two of them being earned over five innings, but the right-hander has still been something to watch this year.
What sets him apart from others is his ability to strike out hitters.
After his nine strikeouts last night, Strider now has the highest K-rate of any starter through the first 19 games of his career, passing Corbin Burnes and Kerry Wood.
Highest strikeout percentage, first 19 MLB starts
(all of MLB history, no openers):Spencer Strider, 37.8% 🔥🔥🔥
Corbin Burnes, 37.3%
Kerry Wood, 33.9% https://t.co/x6tqM4pwH7— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 13, 2022
Strider Racks Up The Ks
Strider has been fun to watch for so many around baseball this season.
His ability to strike out hitters is matched by only a few in the game today.
But here’s a guy who has burst onto the scene and made his presence felt.
He’s one of the key factors in the Braves’ youth movement and is on his way to becoming one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
It may not have been a playoff game last night, but Strider continues to impress in key spots and could ultimately draw a Game 1 start for the Braves when the postseason comes around.
He’s been quite impressive this season and isn’t showing any signs of stopping anytime soon.
But to have passed Burnes and Wood for the highest K-rate among starters through their first 19 starts is crazy.
Strider has impressed the Braves thus far and will be a key piece for them in the postseason.
NEXT: The Braves Flipped A Switch Back In June